Fed Govt pledges $2B for bushfire recovery – no surplus for aged care

Published on
January 14, 2020

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) has announced that the bushfire recovery will take priority over the Budget surplus with a $2 billion fund over two years that could be increased as the country looks to rebuild in the wake of this bushfire season.

“The surplus is of no focus for me,” he said. “What matters to me is the human cost and meeting whatever cost we need to meet.”

“This is an initial and additional investment of $2 billion. If more is needed and the cost is higher, then more will be provided.”

It is good news for the many Australians affected by the fires – but will there be cash for aged care, namely the 45% of RACs operating at breakeven or a loss and the 112,000 waiting 12-plus months for a home care package?